Capítulo 38: 38. The Fear Of The Five Elders
"Hey, Straw Hat! Pluton Rayleigh! The big showdown's on the horizon, and it's getting more and more complicated."
Sengoku shouted at Garp, but it didn't seem to make a difference.
With the war heating up, the enemy's strength is growing beyond what we expected.
"I'm thinking we might need to send reinforcements from the New World," Sengoku said urgently.
Garp was taken aback. "Are you out of your mind, Sengoku? It took us a lot to build up our forces in the New World. If we pull back now..."
"The Four Emperors would swoop in and take over our territory there. The New World would plunge into chaos again," Sengoku interrupted, his tone grim.
"I know that, but everything's riding on this war. If we fail, the consequences will be dire. We've made our declaration to the world; there's no turning back," Sengoku continued, his expression dark.
He was the top Marine officer, determined to win this war at any cost.
"I'll report this to the higher-ups. They'll have to make the call. Garp, you stay at headquarters and oversee everything," Sengoku commanded firmly.
"Understood," Garp replied, the hint of hesitation fading from his eyes.
Later, at the Holy Land, Mariejois on the Red Line...
"This is what happened. Both Kizaru and Momonga gave similar reports. With the government's intelligence, we need to figure out what devil fruit powers this Straw Hat kid has."
Sengoku stood before the Five Elders, his voice low and serious.
"The Straw Hat kid?" he inquired.
The Five Elders, their faces hidden beneath black caps, exchanged glances, seeming to ponder something.
"It's the rubber fruit, Sengoku. Perhaps its powers are awakening," one of the Elders, resembling the late Whitebeard, remarked.
"But..." Sengoku's expression soured. He couldn't discern the Elders' true thoughts. There was clearly more to the Straw Hat boy than met the eye, yet these elders insisted on secrecy.
"No 'buts,' Sengoku. You're just the Marine Marshal. Don't pry into matters beyond your station. Your duty is to prepare for the impending war," scolded the bald Elder wielding the demon blade.
"Furthermore, you failed to quell the attack on the Celestial Dragons. Mind your Marines and don't bring shame upon the government," added another Elder sternly.
Though reprimanded, Sengoku suppressed his retort and murmured, "Understood."
Perhaps noticing Sengoku's unease, as the upcoming war hinged on his leadership, the mustached Elder attempted to smooth things over with a haughty tone.
"We've approved your plan to mobilize Marine forces. You have the authority to decide. The Cipher Pol's support rests in your hands. As for the Warlords, it's your responsibility to gather them. We won't meddle too much," the Elder declared.
"Your sole focus should be ensuring victory in this war," the Elders' resolute voices echoed in the chamber.
As Sengoku left, wearing a troubled expression, the Elders' faces grew even more grim than his own.
"Has the true power of this fruit finally surfaced?"
"Throughout history, the World Government has sought to obtain the rubber fruit, but to no avail. It's been this way for eight hundred years."
"This fruit seems to possess a will of its own. Perhaps it's true; Zoan fruits are known to have their own consciousness, especially one bearing the name of a deity."
"Zoan Type: Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika."
There fell a profound silence among the influential figures in Mariejois, as if even the Five Elders, who wielded unparalleled authority, were uncertain how to address this fruit.
They were keenly aware of the magnitude of power symbolized by its awakening. Moreover, compared to the Rubber Fruit, the threat posed by the Whitebeard Pirates, one of the Four Emperors, was no less significant.
Especially their leader, Whitebeard.
He was once a comrade of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, and held sway over the secrets and history of the world.
He was a relic of a bygone era, one that needed to be laid to rest.
...
In the Calm Belt, the Sunny sailed smoothly.
"Miss Shakky's pets are incredible! This is my first time sailing on such a tranquil Calm Belt, haha," Luffy remarked, reclining beside the ship's railing and observing the two sea serpents swimming below, their massive forms ensuring their peaceful journey through the treacherous waters.
"Yeah, these two have been my companions for decades. Although they're smaller than Sea Kings, their venom is potent enough to keep even Sea Kings at bay," Shakky explained.
Miss Shakky let out a soft exhale, her smile brightening.
"This is the secret art of Kuja," she revealed.
"Kuja?" Sanji's ears perked up at the mention. "Isn't that the legendary women's kingdom, the pirate crew from the Amazon Lily?"
"That's right," Shakky confirmed with a gentle smile.
"Do you know about that legendary kingdom?" Brook inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Meanwhile, Rayleigh's brow furrowed slightly as he interjected, "What? Didn't Shakky tell you? She used to be the former empress of Amazon Lily and the captain of the renowned Kuja Pirates."
"Huh? An empress?"
"The captain of the Kuja Pirates? Weren't they the super famous crew of the Warlord of the Sea?"
"That's incredible! Is Miss Shakky really that amazing?"
"That was decades ago. Now, I'm just a humble bar owner," Shakky replied calmly, her eyes narrowing in a serene smile.
"Ah, here we are," Rayleigh announced, glancing at an island on the horizon.
Rusukaina, the Island of Beasts.
Soon, the Sunny docked at a simple inlet on the island.
"We'll be staying on this island for a few days. Once the storm passes, we'll return to Sabaody for coating, and then Hatchan will take you to Fishman Island. From there, you can venture into the New World from the depths of the sea, ten thousand meters below," Rayleigh explained with a smile. "This island has a relatively mild climate in the Calm Belt and is suitable for human habitation."
"However, keep in mind that this island experiences forty-eight seasons, changing weekly, and is home to many large beasts. If you're not strong enough, it's best to stay in a safe area."
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